Implementing clinical supervision for psychiatric nurses : the importance of education

Increasing recognition of the potential value of clinical supervision for nurses has led to increased attention to introducing this initiative. However, a review of the literature suggests that the implementation of clinical supervision has occurred in the absence of clear guidelines or policy direction. Similarly, while the importance of education and training is acknowledged, the authors note the absence of clarity or consistency in documented implementation strategies. This paper focuses on Victoria, Australia, where the State Government provided significant funding to introduce clinical supervision throughout the State. The study setting is a mental health service in rural Victoria. In-depth interviews were held with senior nurses and members of the clinical supervision implementation committee (n=9). In relation to education and training, three main themes emerged: Identifying the need, making it happen, and being strategic. On the basis of this implementation experience, it is concluded that education and training is was a identified [i.e. is identified] as an integral component of a structured implementation strategy.